Morika Bernhard December, 2011

“Spell for Peaceful Separation & Protection!^©”

The holidays are upon us!  We see pictures of postcards and greeting cards that show the Currier & Ives^© pictures of how families are supposed to be—how we’re all smiling, sitting at a family dinner, sharing funny stories and laughing heartily as the fire blazes in the background and the cat is curled up on the mat in front of the fire.  Snow is falling and there are no troubles in the world.  Just joy.  Yes, that would be wonderful, but for many, this is not the picture of their holidays with their families.  First, we are assuming everyone has family to spend the holidays with.  This again, is not always the case.  Actually, and unfortunately so, the holidays can be a very difficult time for a lot of people.  There are a LOT of stressors during this time from Thanksgiving through New Years.  A lot of depression flocks many people and for some, they just want the holidays to be over.

Many feel obliged to attend the annual family dinner or gathering when, if given the choice, they would not want to spend their precious free time with these people.  That may sound harsh, but it IS how many feel.  Unfortunately their family of origin may not be all that ideal and family dysfunctional dynamics may run rampant.  Who would want to look forward to that?  You, dear reader, may be one of these people.  Well, you’re not alone.

So, summing this up, you may HAVE to go to that family gathering and just do the best you can.  You know, showing up, putting the fake smile on and not reacting to that uncle who drinks too much; or trying not to fly off the handle when Aunt Millie critiques your hair for the third time in a half and hour or respond when your mother comments on your weight for the umpteenth time.   Yes, sometimes we simply NEED to do some things and there’s no getting out of it.

So, in times like that, there are things you CAN DO that can help you feel empowered and more relaxed in such settings.  This spell just may help put the Jolly back in your Holidays!

I hope this helps and I hope and pray more than anything, you’re your holidays are Blessed beyond measure and that you laugh heartily, eat well, and enjoy the company of those that adore you!

Peaceful Separation & Protection Spell

There are times when we must emotionally separate from people and/or situations for our well being and theirs.  It can be difficult with emotions highly charged.  When faced with this situation or situation(s), getting all the help we can is vital.  With INTENT being the first and foremost important player in a peaceful emotional separation, other “physical” adjuncts are not necessarily a bad idea.  That’s where this spell comes in…just in the nick of time.  Using this spell along with your intent and focus, will help swiftly bring about the peacefulness you need along with needed protection for your physical well being and heart and mind and spirit.

In addition to the above, this spell can also help with “cooling” volatile situations down by putting “them” on ice.  Change it up as you ‘feel led to’ as that is what magick is all about.  The possibilities of this are endless.  Remember…Keep your goal and intent pure.

Moon Phase: Any time (if waning, use this spell in “banishing/freezing/stopping/deterring danger/harm” form; if the moon is in a waxing phase, use this spell in a “bring about peace, cooperativeness, protection, drawing those things to you form, etc)

Day: Any day (Sat is good for protection; Wed for communication; Monday for family and home; Tues for courage; Thurs and Sun are good for money, business matters and success)

Planet: Saturn or Pluto

Supplies:

• A piece of paper
• A all-around protection oil;
• a pen;
• a bag(plastic);
• your freezer and
• some water.

Now…here comes the part you need to be willing to do.  Don’t rush this.  Sit down; get a cup of relaxing tea; Take a few deep breaths and PRIOR to doing the actual spell, clear your head and write the name of the person(s) and/or situation(s) that are involved—detailing the situation completely.  TAKE YOUR TIME!  When did the challenge/problem arise?  What is happening now with it?  What is your desire regarding the situation/him/her?  Why are you performing a spell such as this to begin with?(you should know this answer or you should not do the spell,)  Remember, this spell is actually a physical act that helps manifest the intent.

Write everything you can think of.  It’s okay if it’s 3 pages long or if it’s just one paragraph…as long as you have covered it completely.  Put a vertical line on the paper (this is the rune Isa).  Put this Rune picture at the bottom of what you have written.

Once you have done this, you need to prepare for the spell work.  Do this when you won’t be interrupted.  You may choose to take a Ritual Bath which is nothing more than soaking in appropriate salts with herbs/oils (lavender works wonders for protection, in addition to be wonderful for your skin and mood) for the given spell and focusing your intent while you soak and envisioning the outcome desired.

Purify your space (smudge, light incense, sprinkle salt/water…)

Everyone has a different method for preparing for their ritual.  Whatever is your method, make sure you are in, what feels to you as Sacred Space and have the protection you need (i.e., casting a circle – which you can do by simply visualizing a blue flame of light encircling you; calling the Quarters or Elements which can be done in any form of your choosing or not at all…it is basically just recognizing the Guardians of North, South, East and West and asking for their protection and inviting them in your presence. You can also have those elements symbolized to represent Earth, Air, Fire and Water and this can also be done to your liking.  If you need further assistance with this area of the ritual, please email Under The New Moon at underthenewmoon@gmail.com ),

Anoint yourself with the Oil (however you feel comfortable and internally led to…this may change each time you do the ritual.)

Fold the paper(s) into a small square;

Anoint the paper(s) with the Oil

and put the paper(s) in the baggie. (if the problem is really difficult, add water to cover the paper and make sure the bag is sealed well; if it’s minor, just add the paper to the bag with no water) Seal the bag.

Hold the bag in your dominant hand and visualize your situation (basically visualize everything you wrote down on the paper AND ENVISION THE DESIRED OUTCOME), then say the following OR change to make it more natural for you (remember, your magick lies within you!):

Bring Peaceful Separation NOW~

Bring Peace & Calm & This is How~

Restore Harmony, Joy & Delight~

Make Amicable and Protect, This is my Right~

Personal Advocacy, Guarding of My Heart I Seek~

With Peace & Love That Does Flow Free.

It shall not Release, Until It shall Unfreeze.

And when I unfreeze this(these) Written Page(s) of Life,

All will be well, with no strife.

‘An Harm It None, This Spell Is Done.

Always works; always a blessing.

Now while still in your spell and magickal ‘framework of mind,’ place the baggie in the very back of the freezer behind whatever, where you are sure it won’t be disturbed.

Leave the baggie in there as long as you want/feel necessary.  Remembering that when you do unfreeze it and release the spell, you are confident that the situation has resolved and knowing that your initial spellwork still protects you after it is completed (unfreezes), you need not worry. However, you can feel free to leave it in the freezer indefinitely – as no harm will come to anyone.

This spell never hurts anyone (as long as intent is pure.)  As with all spells, your INTENT is EVERYTHING ~~ Be positive, even in a ‘conflict type setting’ – Remember Karma… J Now, go~~relax~~enjoy the holidays!  Anticipate a stress-free environment.

http://www.underthenewmoon.com

Tags: magick, peaceful separation, protection, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Boudicca Andarta December, 2011

Winter Protection from the Snow Faeries

Snow Faeries, Frost Faeries, Ice faeries or Winter Faeries; by whichever name you know them, they are the personification of the Winter season.  Their element is Water.  In the physical world, they are found throughout Europe and Asia, particularly at nocturnal Winter woods and water, and are the most active from late Autumn through early Spring, usually at night.  In the Land of the Fay, Snow Faeries can be spotted in the realm of Winter.

Depending on which culture you find them, the appearance of Snow Faeries can vary.  Because they are pure energy, they can take on any form that they wish.  Snow Faeries, like other Faeries, can mimic objects from their surrounding environment.  This is why Snow Faeries appear frosty and glittery, are often dressed in white and may choose to have wings.

There are also individual Snow Faeries that have stood out in ancient lore.  Quite possibly the most famous would be the English Jack Frost.  In Russia, he is called the Frost King or Father Frost.  Another name he is known by is Old Man Winter because his job, like all Snow Faeries, is bring Winter to the land and sometimes death to those who travel the winter wonderland.  By whatever name he is known by, he seems to be a solitary male even though there is also a Snow Queen.  She is known from Scandinavia to Japan as the bringer of Winter; she has her own frosty kingdom with a large white castle and rules the season of Winter.  It has been surmised that the Snow Queen may have descended from the Crone aspect of the Goddess and Pagans will give her offerings of libations to her for her protection.  The Snow Queen has no children, but lore tells of her searching out an unwanted human child that she could raise as her own.

Like Jack Frost and the Snow Queen, the vocation of the Faeries of Winter is to bring and keep Winter to the land in which they reside.  Snow Faeries will cover the fields with sparkling frost, encourage snowfall, produce icicles on your rooftop and paint the windows with frost.  Snow Faeries enjoy their work so much that it saddens them to see it all melt away.  Even though they know that Spring must come, Snow Faeries will often cause late snow flurries to cover early Spring flowers.

Because Snow Faeries do not possess a physical body as we humans do, they do not get cold.  Many Faeries, who are linked to flowers and other plant life, will retreat deeper into the Land of the Fay during the Winter season, but it is not due to the declining temperature.  It is simply because it is not their preferred environment or time of the year.

THE SPELL

The purpose of this spell is to request the protection from the Winter Faeries while you travel on the icy roads in the Winter.

You will need one winter-themed item to hang form your rearview mirror or place inside your glove box or center console.  This could be an icicle, a snowflake or a frosty-looking Faery.  You will be asking for the blessing from the Winter Faeries, then charging the item followed by placing it in your vehicle.  You will also need a bowl of water, or better yet, a bowl of ice cubes or snow.  Inside this will be a candle (pick a “wintry” color such as white, silver or blue); the easiest to use would be either a taper or a pillar (something that won’t be extinguished by the water/ice/snow).  Finally, you will need some type of offering; either a traditional libation or even birdseed that can be put outside afterwards.

If you wish, you can cover your altar in Faery Dust (glitter), twinkling lights, crystals, snowflakes and icicles.

1- Ground and Center to start, and if you wish, feel free to meditate.

2- Either create Sacred Space or cast a Magic Circle in the style of your Tradition.

3- Begin your spell with the evocation of the Winter Faeries and the Snow Queen:

“I call to the Frost Faeries and the Snow Queen.

Please travel from your wintry scene;

Your snowy kingdom in the Land of Fay,

Please join me in my working today.”

4- Place the bowl of water/ice/snow (with the candle resting inside) on the altar.  Light the candle and say:

“I’ve asked your presence here tonight,

And called you by this sacred light,

To lend your magic for my protection,

While I travel this wintry season.”

5- Pick up the item that you will charge with protective energy and hold it up while saying:

“Tonight we charge this talisman,

Melding our energies to create this charm.

I ask that you do everything you can,

To keep me safe and free from harm;

As I travel the snowy lanes,

Keep my journeys accident-free,

Ensure that I have no trials or pain,

As my will, so mote it be.”

Either silently or aloud, call forth the good will and protective energy form the Snow Queen just as Pagans have done in the past.  In your own words, explain to her your need to get through the Winter.  Ask that she fills the item with protective energy so that no matter where you travel, you will be safe and free from harm.  If you feel like raising energy through drumming, chanting, singing or dancing, do so now.  When you feel that your goal has been accomplished, say:

“For the good of all and with harm to none,

So say I, so shall it be done!”

6- To show your appreciation and gratitude, place your offering on the altar and say:

“To the Winter Faeries and their reigning Queen,

I give to you this offering;

My gratitude for the magic we wove,

Before you return to your snowy grove.”

7- If possible, let the candle burn out, but never leave a lit candle unattended!  Place the talisman in your vehicle and know that the Snow Queen is with you throughout this season.

8- It is time to take care of the offering.  If it is edible, either place your offering outside (if it is for the outdoor animals) or leave it on the altar overnight so that the Snow Queen and her Winter Faeries can take in the essence.  If it is something sparkly, either place it on your Faery shrine/altar (if you have one) or place it outside for the Faeries to enjoy.

Tags: faery, protection, winter

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne December, 2011

Bring The Light Ritual

Lore:

Several myths surround the Winter Solstice commonly known as Yule among these:  lighting the yule log and the Oak and Holly King. At Yule’s core is the idea of returning sacred light. Of a child of light that is born out of darkness that vanquishes the cold blanket of death that covers the Earth. In our ancestry darkness was closely tied to danger. Darkness hid enemies, predators in this birth of the sun was craved, yearned, and ultimately worshipped.

Purpose:

Yule is a time to reintroduce and revive relationships. This includes the relationship with yourself as well as with family and loved ones. The primary message of Yule is a hope that cannot be denied.

Colors:

Green (renewal)

Red (Blood –Connection)

White (Death – Memory of what has been)

Herb/Incense:

Frankincense

Myrrh

Tools:

Candles: White to line the circle( Eight – Four the circle and four for the elements), two green, one red, and one gold or yellow, to represent the Child of light)

Four Physical representations of the elements

Cauldron or Bowl

Totem to represent the Child of Light

One ritual bell

Ritual:

Begin by creating sacred space you can do this by lighting your candles and casting the circle around your working area. Decorate the altar with seasonal items of your choice. **For a coven or group ritual assign someone to the quarters for the evocation, the High Priestess or will ring the bell to signify the recitation of the quarter evocation. **

Light the quarter candle at the East. Ring the ritual bell three times and then say: “I call to the powers of the East to renew the powers of the Sun.” Walk to the South, light the candle at the South. Ring the ritual bell three times and say: “I call to the powers of the South to renew the powers of the Sun.” Walk to the West, light the candle at the West. Ring the bell three times and then say: “I call to the Powers of the West to renew the powers of the Sun.” Walk to the North, light the candle at the North. Ring the ritual bell three times, and say: “I call to the Powers of the North to renew the powers of the Sun.”

Light the incense allow the smoke to waft over yourself clearing your mind of all stress, allow peace to resonate within your heart, mind, body, and soul.

Go to the altar and light the two Green candles say: “I renew myself in light, I renew myself in Spirit.” Light the red candle: “I connect to all that has been to all that will be, and to all that is.” Light the Gold/Yellow candle after it is lighted put it within the cauldron or bowl. Close your eyes and visualize the child of light growing within the Goddess’s womb. Take the candle out symbolic of the Goddess giving birth. Say: “Lord of light and life I pray that you gain strength so that I may pass the Winter of darkness and death in peace and fullness. “ Begin and End in the East (following the path of the sun) Walk back to the altar take the flame to center of the circle. Raise it above your head and say: “Hail and welcome to the new born Sun. Hail Child of Light and Life, Hail Lord of the Sun.

It is done. You can now dance, praise, sing, surround yourself with light and life, leave an offering for the Goddess and God. And always remember even in the darkest hour there will always come a dawn.

Blessed Be

Tags: light, yule

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard November, 2011

Wow, November 1^st is here!  We are now completely in the throws of the Holiday Season and in addition to the wonder, fun, parties, great family gatherings, friends, etc…, we also have more bills, more stress, more colds, and exhaustion to boot.  What’s a witch to do?

Well, as an herbalist and aromatherapist, I could go on forever on the benefits of keeping your immune system up and running smoothly with a host of herbs, and aromatherapeutic oils, but since the article I write for is about spells, how about we address a main concern of most everybody’s at this time of year… MONEY. J

Let’s face it, we all need more money.  Even if you’re doing okay in that department, it never hurts to have a tad more, especially during gift-giving season.

So, without further adieu, let’s do a great little spell together this month called, The Tarot Abundance Spell^© that will help with that need for quick incoming cash.   PLEASE feel free to leave a comment on this thread below the article sharing your manifestation of this spell with others!  We’d love to hear how it’s working for you and yours at this special time of year.

May your November be MOST abundant,

With moonlit beams of joy,

Morika

Tarot Abundance Spell^©

Need: One green candle (if you don’t have a green candle, use white which can be used in place of any other color at any time, for any ritual;) powdered cinnamon (the fresher, the better;) the Tarot card that most represents wealth and financial abundance TO YOU (go through the deck looking at the pictures…when a card that ‘feels right to you’ and in your mind looks like a good money card, use that card*;) money (a bill or two) and coins (a good variety of silver and a couple of pennies will suffice.)

Lay the card face up. Surround it with the money in whatever way feels most comfortable to you – there is no right or wrong in this ritual; keep that in mind.  Place the candle at the head of the card and light it (make sure the candle is securely fitted in a good candle holder so it won’t fall down and catch things on fire.) Focus on the imagery of the card.  You’ll know the right amount of time.  Then visualize yourself paying your bills EASILY; visualize being paid money from someone that owes it to you; visualize money coming to you from an unexpected source (lottery, inheritance, etc.) and money coming to you in other forms (if you sell things online, that would be an example of this.)  Sprinkle cinnamon on the flame saying affirmatively and adamantly:

Money of Silver, Green and Gold
Hurriedly Bring me Wealth Untold

Bring me enough, then some, for my Needs

Let money in my Hands, Grow like Seeds.
Riches come through every possible Door
To make me Money Ten Times More

And as I will, So Shall it Be,

Money will SURELY come to me.

This always works~~It’s always a blessing!

Snuff the candle and wrap it in the bill(s) and tie it up with green string. – Let it sit near your front door of your home, or front door of your place of business; or if you prefer, put it in your purse.  You can safely remove it and bury it or throw it away once your spell has manifested.

*Any card in the deck could look like money to you.  This is a spell that is about you; how you perceive things and your view of the pictures on the card can be quite different from someone else.  So it is NOT necessary to pick a card that is KNOWN to be a card of abundance. Any picture that quietly speaks to you and lends you to think and easily visualize ‘money drawing’ scenarios, is the RIGHT tarot card for this spell.  This is a personal spell*

Text Copyright 2011 by Morika Bernhard, Under The New Moon, www.underthenewmoon.com We invite you to stop by our store this month and browse! Take 25% off your entire order with code: WARMUP25

To contact Morika, email: underthenewmoon@gmail.com

Tags: tarot

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne November, 2011

Ritual:  Solitary vs. Group

It is important to find balance in our lives, and in our practice. It doesn’t really matter what sect or tradition you come from there will be times when you will have to do a working alone, and times when you can work within a group. Both experiences are very different experiences that advise everyone to partake in. Coming from a small (VERY) small eastern Texas town I found it very difficult to find like-minded individuals that were actually serious about Witchcraft. Wicca and Witchcraft, both, have been very integral parts of my life, and I always found it extremely disheartening to meet a new Witch and listen to the complete asinine misconceptions I have fought for years to break free of projected into the universe.

So for a very large part of my life I worked as solitary Witch holding private workings, rituals, spells, Sabbat and Esbat rituals alone. Though lonely at times it offers a sense of freedom, you’re the only person there; I’ve learned that you truly get a larger understanding and reverence for your practice if you discover it alone. Unlike some of the Abrahamic religions as a Witch most of us don’t have a dogma telling us how to behave. Thusly, the beauty and sometimes agony of being a Witch presents itself. I suppose one of the biggest pros to me about working solitary is you are utterly free. It is only you, your spirit, and the Goddess and God.

Interestingly enough I prayed that the Goddess would send someone to me that would be serious about their faith, and their practice. That’s when I met my best friend Aaron. Now we were only two people mind you, but the determination and energy that two connected people set on a common goal can create is phenomenal! And that’s really when I first started experiencing work within a group. Though working within a group can present a lot of very interesting complications. For instance Aaron, and I were doing a Beltane a year ago, we had really just started the circle was cast, and we were in the middle of invoking the quarters. Being that I am more of a fire and air person I always invoke the East, and The south, Aaron takes the West and North. So there I was at the Southern point of the circle eyes closed, hands embracing the sky, and patiently waiting for Aaron to start his part of the invocation. And I wait… Finally after a minute or two of silence I turn around to find Aaron doing some other miscellaneous thing around the altar. Now I don’t know if anyone else has had this problem before, but I was a little perplexed. I asked him why he didn’t invoke the elements after I did, and he responded “I’m not really in a vocal mood today. So I invoked them in my mind.” This presented a type of problem for me. Because I am a very vocal person even when my rituals are solitary do I rarely not speak. And I didn’t want to disrespect my best friend by telling him to do it again out loud, and so I closed my eyes and said a few words, to remedy the emptiness I felt from the other two elements. So it comes to the invocation of Deity. Aaron usually does the Goddess, and I invoke the God, and we both invoke Spirit to watch over our circle. Again eyes closed, hands in the air, waiting for him to start, and he never does. I didn’t really know what to do. It was the first time in our Magical relationship together that I had a problem with something he did in our circle. So I close my eyes again do a small invocation to the Goddess and carry on to invoke the God. Moral of the story: I would say very consistently Pagans can be VERY different people, we all have our preferences on how we like things done, and most of us are open to change and exploration. And later after the ritual we talked and I explained why I had a problem with it, and from that moment on everything has been fine. I’m not at a University here in Texas, and an active member of the Pagan Student Fellowship. We have group meetings every Tuesday, host Sabbat, and Esbat rituals, and help each other out with different workings. It is absolutely AMAZING. The beautiful thing about groups are that everyone there sees Divinity in a different way, and from that difference comes changes to our own perception of Magic. I’ve learned things from my Pagan friends that I’ve never thought of, ways to do ritual that I had never pondered.

So I implore you if you ever get the chance attend a group ritual test it out see if you like it. But you don’t really know what you’re missing until you try it.

Tags: group, rituals, solitary

• Spells & Rituals

Hearthkeeper November, 2011

Basic Ritual

It occurred to me there are people here out there who would not know where to start in performing a Ritual.

This is a basic framework. Feel free to adapt and adjust to what you need as you grow and learn..

Set up your altar. Things that should be on it include:, candles, athame, wand, chalice, salt, water, , a pentacle, decorations that fit the time of year or Sabbat you are working with.

Cleanse the area.

Ritual cleansing

Take a broom and stand in the area to be used as a sacred space. Close your eyes and visualize bright clear energy coming in the top of your head. See the energy flow down into your broom and visualize the broom cleaning away any negative energy. Sweep clockwise and then sweep the negativity out a door or window, shutting it after them. The door or window can be marked with a drawn pentagram (in the air or on the door with a fingertip).

Go back to the area to be used. Put water and salt in a dish. Mix them with a finger. Face the East and say: With Water and Earth I cleanse the east. Dip your fingers in the water. Sprinkle the water around the arc of the circle, moving from East (Air) to South (Fire) to West (Water) and then North (Earth). ( You would reverse if you lived in the Southern Hemisphere.) Do this for each of the directions saying with Water and Earth, etc. at each quarter.

When finished return the salted water to the altar

Light some incense. The burning of the incense mixes with the air. Say: With Fire and Air I cleanse (or bless) the East . Go around the circle again, visualizing it being cleansed (or blessed). Only cleanse if it were the first time using the area, since the sweeping has already taken place – or if there’d been a disturbance there since the last ritual.

Put the incense on the table. Let it burn out.

Starting the ritual

Pick up the athame or just use your finger. You do not NEED the tools but they help with the focus. Face East. Draw a pentacle in the air, pushing through the center of it to “seal” it. Move from East to South to West, to North, back to East. Visualize an energy bubble being created as you move. The energy comes from the Earth through your body and out the point of the athame or finger.

When you have completed the circle, return to the point where you started, make another pentacle, fix it as you did the first and say, “The Circle is Cast.”

Calling the Four Quarters/Elements/Watchtowers

One way to do it is to call on the Elements. You can do it as Watchtowers or simply say something like:

( Facing East) Element of Air, that which provides us with the breath of life, I welcome you to my Magickal circle this night. Light a Yellow candle.

(Facing South ) Element of Fire, that which provides us with warmth in the dark of night, I welcome you to my Magickal circle this night. Light a Red candle.

(Facing West) Element of Water, that which provides us with moisture and life, I welcome you to my Magickal circle this night. Light a Blue candle.

(Facing North) Element of Earth, that which supports us and brings life to us, I welcome you to my Magickal circle this night. Light a Green or Brown candle.

Call to the Goddess

Blessed Lady, Mother of us all,

Be here tonight for this Magickal rite.

Lend me your strength, your love, your compassion.

Blessed be She!

Call to the God

Blessed Lord, Father of us all,

Be here tonight for this Magickal rite.

Lend me your power, your force of will,

Blessed be He.

At this point you will want to do what working you planned, either healing, meditation or Ritual. I recommend learning to do ritual for quite a  long time – like a year – as a celebratory rite rather than as a time to do Magickal  working.  So you are comfortable in this form .Speak from your heart.

Closing

Blessed Lord, thank you for my Rite

and lending your powers to mine.

Go in peace and love. Blessed be.

Say the same thing for the Goddess, substituting Lady for Lord..

Facing each element walk counter clockwise saying:

Element of (name element), thank you joining my rite.

I bid you return in peace and love. So mote it be!

Put out each candle as you do.

Pick up the athame. Go to the pentacle you have fixed. Put the athame in it, cut down and suck up the energy of the circle into the athame. Move in a counter clockwise motion.

When done ground out the energy. This can be done with Libations(cookies and drink)( food grounds out most energies. Do not eat before ritual if you plan on magickal healing or workings.)

Say: The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the God/dess be forever in my heart.

Blessing until next Month

Tags: basic ritual

• Articles , Spells & Rituals

Hearthkeeper October, 2011

Merry Meet and welcome to my Hearth. This month I am going a little different and it may seem more like a notes than a recipes. But it is Titled “ Recipe for a good Ritual”

The reason for this is that I have done food recipes, I have done flower recipes, I think I have even done a recipe for Happiness. But often when you are writing a spell or a ritual you find that you are stumped. So I am going to give you the “recipe” that I follow and you can use it, modify it, or throw it out. Just like any other recipe.. Being a Pagan, Wiccan or Kitchen witch, well sometimes you need a little boost or formula. This works for me.

Most of you know by now how to Google ” correspondences”  on the web. There you can find all the moon, season, color, astral etc..etc.. that you may need for a ritual. Here is a form, a recording sheet to keep in your BOS. I do not remember where it came from or who gave it to me, but I share it with you now..

RITUAL RECORD SHEET

* Type of Ritual:

* Date & Time made:

* Moon Phase & Astrological

* Weather:

* Purpose of Ritual:

* Tools & Other Items Required:

* Deities Invoked:

* Approximate Length of Ritual:

* Results of Ritual:

* Ritual Composition:

* Additional Notes:

I often use this as an outline for my rituals. I have in the past copied it and kept hard copies for when I ritual outside or in another venue.

I think I have one of these for spells and I  will include it at the end of the article.

So here is my BASIC RITUAL RECIPE

1. Gather ALL of the tools you will need.
2. Gather all of the folks that will participate in the ritual( or take a few deep breaths if you are alone)
3. Cleanse and Bless with water, salt and incense)
4. Cast Your circle ( some cast trice, some only once.)
5. Call your elements( watchtowers) clockwise. I call from the North but not everyone does. Light your elemental candles at this time.
6. Call upon the Goddess and the God(  if you revere both.) Light your God/des candles at this time.
7. Call upon your Ancestors( skip if you do not)
8. Do the meat of your ritual at the time you chose.
9. Do any meditation or energy raising that your ritual calls for
10. Spend a few moments Grounding. This is often the time to do “cakes and ale”. Food grounds you pretty quickly and gives everyone a chance to come down from the energy raising. Take this time to make any announcements you may have for future rituals
11. Thank your Ancestors and release them, snuff the candles
12. Thank God/dess and release them, snuff the candles
13. Thank the elements and bid them leave. Often they are just released and not told to go home. They stay and cause mischief. Snuff the candles
14. uncast your circle walking .
15. Thank all for the energy they put in and for coming to your ritual. If you were alone than take the time to look back and be proud of your ritual.
16. At this time I would use any left over cakes and ale to feed the elements and Deity for all that they give us. Often refer to it as “feed the tree” time.

This is what has worked great for me. Has lead to a great ritual that flows pretty smoothly all the time. If you create a formula that works for you, Your own “recipe” then you will be able to do ritual anywhere, any time without having to stop and plan it much. Keep a ritual box on hand in your car, or house that has all you will need, candles, incense, matches, snuffer, oils, altar clothes, incase  you find yourself in the woods and want to ritual. Or a group get together and find you want to do a healing ritual. You have it all there. Silly little small toolbox or tackle box works great.

And the following is the spell worksheet that you can copy and use for your own.

WORKSHEET FOR SPELLS

* Type of Spell:

* Date & Time to be performed:

*

* Astrological Phase:

* Specific Purpose:

* List of Ingredients &/or Supplies Needed:

* Specific Location Required:

* Date, Time & Astrological Phase When Used:

* Results:

* Deities Invoked During Preparation &/or Use:

* Step By Step Instructions for Preparations &/or Use:

* Additional Notes:

Until next month
Merry Cooking and Blessed Eating
The Hearthkeeper

PS. If there is anything you would like to see here.. Please email me at  thehearthkeeper@gmail.com

Blessed be…

Tags: ritual writing, spell writing

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne October, 2011

Start Fresh Ritual

Samhain is among many things a perfect time to commune with your ancestors, your spirits animals, any deities that you keep close to your spirit. The veil between the worlds is the thinnest on Samhain. Being that it’s the Celtic New Year one of my favorite things to do around this time is a working to help remove obstacles in my path, it’s similar to new year resolutions, but none the less fun! I’ve adapted this ritual to include one of my Patron Deities: Ganesh.

Lore:

Ganesh became lord of all existing beings after winning a contest against his brother Kartikay. When given the task to race around the universe, Ganesh did not race away like Kartikay did instead he simply walked around his mother and father, Shiva and Parvati, both being the source of all existence. Ganesh rides a rat that represents the conquered demon of vanity and insolence. The conch represents the sound that creates Akash (the basis and essence of all things in the material world). The laddu (sweet) represents the Sattva (essence). The snakes represent control over the poisons of passions and refer to Shiva. The hatchet cuts away the bondage of desire. The mudra grants fearlessness. (There are several depictions of Ganesh this is only one. Research will help you if you wish to incorporate some of the items he is holding into the ritual, i.e Conch, hatchet, etc…make beautiful altar decoration) Acceptance of Ganesh as the divine force silences the rational mind and its doubts, forcing one to look beyond outer appearances. Thus Ganesh creates the faith to remove obstacles, forcing one to look beyond form, removing doubts and pointing out the spiritual side of everything. Thus Ganesh is often worshipped to remove obstacles.

Purpose:

The purpose of this ritual is to prepare the body for the ending of the year, and to help remove obstacles from your path.

Colors:

White

Herbs:

Agrimony

Frankinscense Resin

Hyssop

Myrrh Resin

Rosemary

*The energies of these herbs lean toward purification, substitution of available herbs that are of the same energy is permissible.*

Tools:

A depiction (statue, picture, etc) of Lord Ganesh

Five tea light or preference of candles to make the circle

Three (You can use fewer or less as desired) tea lights to represent different obstacles

A white taper/jar candle to represent Ganesh

Ritual:

Begin by setting up your altar and circle. . (I like to put the picture or representation at the back northern part of the altar, the candle in the center, and the obstacle candles at the front of the altar closest to you.) For the purpose of this ritual one candle will represent anger, one will represent fear of change, and one will represent the unknowable obstacles that we create for ourselves. Also burn your incense as to purify the space and your body. This is going to be a fairly simple ritual. Once the circle candles are lit cast your circle. Once cast light the candle representing Ganesh. Raise your arms above the altar and Invoke Ganesh:

Aum

Elephant headed Lord Ganesh

I call upon your ancient power

Son of Shakti destroyer of grief

I bow to the lotus feet of ganesha lord of all

Aum

Whatever it is that you choose to have your candles represent as you focus on each one, clearly see in your mind’s eye exactly what those obstacles are. And as you blow the first one out, see the obstacle, picture leaving your body, leaving your life, You are allowing Ganesh to help remove your mind’s limitations to him, you are giving him control of your life, and releasing those things you can’t control. Once all three candles are blown out, thank Ganesh, and blow out his candle. Dismantle the altar and clear away the space. I like to leave out a bowl of water, or throw a piece of bread outside to leave an offering out.

For me I have a problem controlling my feelings, especially anger, I have small fear of change I can’t control, and the third is representing the obstacles we can’t see in our own life that hinder our spiritual growth. Keep in mind that some obstacles are dire for our spirits. This ritual is more for personal obstacles we create unnecessarily for ourselves.

Brightest Blessings

Have an amazing Samhain,

Rayne

Tags: change, ganesh, new year

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard October, 2011

Since it’s the month of Halloween (Samhain), we are going to introduce a “Dragon” spell here for ya! ~

It’s a great time for a little protection magick anyway since tricksters of all kinds can be at play on that day, even during the month.  So property protection magick, car protection magick, etc., isn’t an unwise move for a witch!  Here’s an easy spell.  If you don’t have the Dragon Protection Oil that I sell in my store, you can make your own protection oil or use one that you have on hand.  Any herbs/flowers/resins that have energies associated with protection magick, can be used for this spell.  (Think Lavender, Angelica, Black Pepper, Basil, Amber, and Bay Laurel for just a few.  An apple slice in the oil also is a good idea.)

This protection spell uses the elemental creature, the Dragon.  If you are uncomfortable with the idea that dragons really exist, and are not comfortable beckoning them for help, than this spell may not be for you.  You can fine tune this spell at that point, to suit your own needs/desires.

Dragon Scales – Protection

Aromatherapy Essential Oil — A “New Moon Wellness herbals^© Product”

Anoint your forehead and both wrists; both index fingers with the oil.  Sit in a sacred space/protected circle.

As you visualize the power of the dragons flowing around you, visualize all the power shifting to your right index finger and middle finger, then trace a pentagram over what you want protected (person, place or thing) with your index/middle finger.  Visualize the light of self (empowered by the dragons) flowing from self into the pentagram you are tracing.
Trace three times while chanting;

With this pentagram I lay
Protection here both night and day
And to the ones (or item/thing) who should not touch
Let their fingers burn as such.

So Mote It Be.
By all the power of Moon and Sun
I chant this spell, now be it done
By all the power of land and sea
As I do will so mote it be

CLOSE YOUR CIRCLE THROUGH VISUALIZATION. Your spell is complete.  Let the magickal dragons help you by taking the spell onward and upward.  Relax.

http://www.underthenewmoon.com – sales@underthenewmoon.com

– Text Copyright 2007 Under The New Moon

Tags: dragons

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard September, 2011

Back to School!

Here we are again!  The wheels on the bus do go ‘round and ‘round, as does the Wheel of the Year.  As we are heading into September, our thoughts are pulled in a million directions – kids’ going back to school and all that implies (i.e., shopping for school clothes, schedules, chauffeuring the kids, etc.) and our own work schedules/home schedules and getting everything to coincide and work together in some smooth synergy.

We want our kids to do well; AND, if we are also going back to school as adults taking advance courses, trade courses, or just a yoga class or craft class, we all need help with the “focus factor and some extra self-motivation.”

With that in mind, this spell is to help you with focusing your attention on what matters most and to help you (or your child(ren)) overcome apathy and ambivalence as the days grow shorter and the nights longer and temperatures cooler.  Use all that you can in your resource arsenal to assist you through the changing of the Wheel of the Year.

This is simple and can be done/said while driving the car if you wish.  (You can say the spell below easily enchanting your child by saying it out loud ‘over them’ as they are getting dressed, or you’re fixing their breakfast… etc. – Feel free to say it over an object you know they will use all day, such as a pencil or pen that they love.) We have to squeeze in some simple spells occasionally as not everything we do can take formal time.  On days you are going to need extra focus, use Rosemary essential oil and/or inhale a bit of Eucalyptus or Lemongrass.  You can dab a dot or two of any of those essential oils you may have on hand on your neck under each ear and on your wrist pulse points.  Inhale a couple of deep breaths before you take off for the day.  Say this spell when you have a second and repeat until you feel it has ‘taken’ — I say this often when I write my spell articles, that you will know when you are finished with an incantation.  You will feel comfortable with stopping and it’s then that you need to.

Spell/Enchantment to help you Focus and to Gain Motivation:

With this spell comes motivation,

To overcome hurdles in focus & education,

Let me embrace this higher place,

To do all work required with utmost grace.

‘An harm it none, this spell is done.

May you continue to learn, grow and enjoy the start of the Witches’ Season of the Year!

Blessings till next month,

Morika

Tags: focus, magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals